Man sues builder for leaking roof, wins compensation

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) The owner of an office here who suffered losses in business and property because of a leak from the public toilet above took the builder to court and will get Rs.100,000 in damages. The Delhi State Consumer Commission presided over by Justice J.D. Kapoor has directed M/s. M.M. Developers & Promoters Pvt. Ltd. to compensate the purchaser who had suffered losses not only in business but also damage to the walls, floors, roof and furniture because of the leakage.

Kapoor observed that for deficiency in service, the builder has to compensate a consumer adequately in respect of actual or expected loss, mental agony, harassment, physical discomfort, emotional sufferings and also for having forced the consumer to seek legal remedy.

Anand Prakash Adlakha had purchased an office unit in Mini Market, Janakpuri from M/s. M.M. Developers & Promoters but after taking possession he found leaks in various parts of the building. He was particularly affected by the leak from the public toilets above his office. Despite several requests, the builders did not rectify the problem, Adlakha told the court.